Physical Therapy for Recovery and Prevention
Physical therapy is a fantastic option if you're recovering from an injury or looking to try out new exercises to improve your movement. It's important to note that physical therapy isn't just for injured individuals. The exercises involved in physical therapy are beneficial for improving balance and mobility, as well as managing age-related medical conditions.
While it's always important to seek proper medical advice from your trusted physician, the experts at Fitness World, a local gym in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, BC, put together a helpful guide of popular physical therapy exercises that you can do at the gym!
Their recent blog focuses on important details, such as the benefits of physical therapy and specific exercises for different areas of your body. Below are some of the benefits they cover.
Physical Therapy Exercises at the Gym
Gym-based physical therapy exercises provide numerous benefits for individuals seeking recovery or wanting to enhance their physical well-being. Here are some advantages of including physical therapy exercises in your gym routine.
Targeted Rehabilitation with PT
Targeted rehabilitation can help address specific areas of weakness, imbalance, or injury. By designing tailored exercises, physical therapists or personal trainers can assist individuals in regaining strength, flexibility, and function with greater precision. This allows for a more focused approach to rehabilitation.
Range of Motion Improvements
As mentioned in the blog post by Fitness World, the gym offers a range of physical therapy exercises to enhance joint flexibility and range of motion. These exercises are especially useful for people recovering from orthopedic injuries or surgeries as they aid in restoring normal movement patterns.
Better Balance and Coordination
Gym-based physical therapy often includes exercises that improve balance and coordination. These exercises help prevent falls, improve everyday movements, and increase confidence.
Professional Guidance
The top local gyms provide personal trainers who can offer guidance on exercise techniques and form. This is especially helpful for people undergoing physical therapy, as the correct form is crucial for safety and effectiveness.
Improving Mental Well-being through Exercise
Physical therapy exercises can also have a beneficial effect on mental health. The gym's social community, combined with the release of endorphins during exercise, helps to cultivate a more positive mindset. This, in turn, can alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being.
Popular Exercises Fitness World Recommends
Healing a sprained ankle through physical therapy at the gym involves a gradual approach to regain strength, flexibility, and stability. Reminder – start slow and make consistent progress. You don’t want to add any additional injuries while attempting to heal.
Sprained Ankle Physical Therapy Rehab at the Gym
Here are some sprained ankle exercises suitable for the gym setting. Remember to always consult your physician before doing any exercises, as everyone's situation is different.
Range of Motion Exercises
ALPHABET EXERCISES
-While sitting on a chair, extend one leg and write the alphabet with your toes while they are in the air. This exercise promotes ankle mobility in different directions.
Strengthening Exercises
RESISTANCE BAND EXERCISES
-Use resistance bands for exercises like ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Loop the band around a fixed point and your foot, then move your foot against the resistance.
Cardiovascular Exercise
STATIONARY BIKE OR ELLIPTICAL
-Low-impact cardiovascular exercise helps maintain overall fitness without putting excessive strain on the injured ankle. Adjust the resistance to a comfortable level.
Flexibility Exercises
TOWEL STRETCH
-Sit with your legs straight out and loop a towel around the ball of your foot. Gently pull the towel towards you to stretch the calf and Achilles tendon.
Learn more about the Kitsilano, B.C. Fitness World location
This Fitness World gym in Vancouver near Kitsilano, BC offers functional fitness spaces, recovery tools, and dedicated stretching areas, perfect for a Physical Therapy regimen. Along with a wide range of exercise classes for all fitness levels. From yoga to kickboxing, they have classes to suit your preferences. Join a Pilates class for core strength and flexibility, or try Bollywood and Zumba for a fun dance workout. They also have cycling and spin classes for cardio, as well as general cardio classes. To tone and sculpt your muscles, take a barre and strength class. Fitness World Kitsilano is the best local fitness center with experienced personal trainers, dedicated to promoting health and wellness. This high-energy club is located at Arbutus and Broadway and offers amenities like a fitness class studio, lifting platforms, a cardio theatre, and a Women's Only area. Treat yourself to HydroMassage or tanning after your workout.
